Clutter inside your home feels like a packed New York City subway car: impossible to navigate. But with the right tools and tricks, you can fight the urge to throw out all your loose items and neatly tuck them away — in a fashionable way, too.
In fact, there are more than a few ways to tidy your home without breaking the bank. To assist you on your shopping search, Professional home organizer Janelle Lam stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share some of her favorite home storage essentials, including an upholstered ottoman and an adjustable hanging closet rod.
Regardless if you’re looking to splurge or save, these household storage essentials will add more space to any part of your home. We also included a few of our editor's tried-and-true storage solutions, as well as more top-rated products to shop.
Household storage essentials, as seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
Brightroom 2-Tier Metal Lazy Susan Turntable
This two-tier, metal lazy Susan is just what you need to help maximize your vertical storage for small spaces. Lam refers to this trusted product as a "game-changer" for pantries, cabinets and countertops. "If you’re someone who has lost a drawer or cabinet to loose spices and condiments, you need one of these," she adds.
Lam also mentions that she's seen people use this as a makeshift coffee station, where you can add mugs, coffee grounds and more. The possibilities are endless.
Aksonmn Expandable Pot and Pan Organizer Rack
Struggling to find ample space for your pots and pans? This expandable rack safely stores all your trusted cookware and helps keep your kitchen free from clutter. This scratch-resistant organizer features 12 dividers, and it can be used as a single unit or a double rack.
Editor’s note: Although Janelle's pick is out of stock, shop a similar option below.
Mudeela Pots and Pans Organizer
For under $20, you can also score this expandable rack that includes 10 adjustable compartments. Available in three hues, this popular organizer is made of iron and keeps your cookware free from scratches.
Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine
"As an organizer, I label everything," says Lam. "I love this label maker because it’s small but mighty. It connects to an app via Bluetooth to customize a ton of different labels and prints within seconds," she explains. This budget-friendly label maker features over 1,000 symbols and 120 fonts to personally customize your labels. Who knew organizing could actually be fun?
Yeetburg Adustable Hanging Closet Rod
This adjustable hanging closet rod instantly offers users a second level of storage. "It’s perfect for kids’ clothes, shorter garments or anyone who needs more closet space without any major renovations," suggests Lam. This durable rod is easy to assemble and can hold up to 33 pounds.
Mainstays Boucle Mushroom Upholstered Storage Ottoman
“I always recommend adding dual-purpose furniture as a way to get the most from every nook and cranny in your home,” says Lam. “This mushroom ottoman is stylish yet functional and helps clear clutter with its extra hidden storage,” she explains. Lined with polyester, this luxe ottoman doubles as an extra seat (or footrest) and safely stores all your living room essentials from cozy blankets to toys for your little one.
Catgood Under Bed Storage with Wheels
Have you ever thought about using the area under your bed as additional storage space? Now is the time to do so with these durable under-the-bed containers that are designed to fit securely under most beds. Lam recommends these for easily storing off-season clothes, shoes and extra linens.
"The box has a zipper and is made with a metal frame and soft fabric, so it’s durable, lightweight and protects items from collecting dust," explains Lam. "Plus, you can fold it up and easily store when not using."
These lightweight containers also feature transparent windows to make it easier to see what's inside each one.
More household storage essentials to shop
Lifewit Stackable Water Bottle Organizer
Tired of water bottles piling up on your kitchen counter? Reduce the clutter with this stackable water bottle holder that resembles a wine rack. This plastic storage device securely holds up to eight water bottles and has over 1,200 five-star ratings on Amazon. Satisfied customers speak to its sturdiness, ease of assembly and functionality.
Anchor Hocking Stackable Square Glass Canisters
These stackable glass canisters are expert-approved for improving the appearance and organization of your pantry. They come in different sizes (prices vary per canister) that have an air-tight seal to help keep food fresh.
Simple Houseware 2-Tier Under Sink Organizer Storage Tray
“The area under the sink is like a black hole void of any organization, so it’s very tempting to throw anything under there without rhyme or reason,” says senior SEO editor Jess Bender.
“But with that comes the fact that you can never find anything amongst the chaos, so having an easy organizational system like this makes it super easy to store bathroom essentials without stressing about the possibility of being out of bandages or cold medicine,” she explains.
Yohom Suction Cup Hooks
Just like Home So’s hooks, this pick from Shop TODAY Contributor Chassie Post comes in a pack of two that both stick to your desired surface, but claims to hold up to 11 lbs.
Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Utensil Organizer
Associate editor Kamari Stewart loves this cutlery organizer for both its storage and perfect fit inside her narrow drawers. “It fits absolutely everything and there’s even space for my little salad dressing holder,” she raved.
Command Hand Towel Bar
“My current bathroom only has one towel bar for my boyfriend and I’s bath towels, but we had no dedicated space for our hand or face towels when we first moved in,” says Bender. “A simple solution for this qualm came in the form of these sturdy, easy-to-install towel bars from Command. It took mere minutes to set up (plus a 24-hour waiting period for it to fully adhere to our bathroom doors) and we were hanging up our linens in no time,” she explains.
“What’s really great about these is that they can withstand any amount of moisture or humidity in the bathroom. We’ve had these for about three years and they haven’t moved an inch!” she raves.
The Home Edit Cabinet Door Organizer
Commerce editor Vivien Moon loves how easy this organizer was to install and how much of a space saver it’s been. “The door organizer has a DIY element where you can organize it yourself based on what suits your needs/space,” she mentions. “You can put a sponge holder here, the hook there or move them around which is what’s so great about it,” she continues.
“It really lets you put it together in the way that works for you. I have on in the bathroom and one under the sink and it’s been lovely, no complaints,” notes Moon.
Home So Suction Cup Hooks
Here’s an innovative way to add a little bit of home DIY to your resume. Stick these suction cup hooks onto most smooth surfaces (i.e. glass, tile or mirrors) to hang towels and more (up to 15 lbs.) without the damage or tools, based on reviews. Post is a fan of gold, but if you prefer other metals, there are four other types available, including chrome and brushed bronze.
Deco Brothers Pan Organizer Shelf Rack
Shop TODAY contributor Terri Peters previously tested this Deco Brothers Kitchen Pan Organizer Shelf Rack and was pleasantly surprised. “This game-changing Amazon find ended up being the perfect solution for managing my disorganized cookware situation,” she said.
“I stored the pans we use most at the front of the cabinet, so that they’re ready to grab by the handle at any given moment. And when it’s time to put them away, it’s easy to slide them back into place, perfectly lined up,” added Peters.
YouCopia 12-Inch FreezeUp Freezer Bin
Cluttered fridge or freezer? One Shop TODAY contributor said this affordable storage bin transformed her parent’s freezer into a clutter-free zone. “It was clear what went where and, thanks to the slanted sides of the bin, it was even easier to pull items out,” they wrote.
Smart Design Over-The-Door Organizer for Storage
Moon is also big fan of this resourceful organizer from Smart Design. “I’ve had this one for over a year, and wow, it’s been a massive help because my bathroom is on the smaller side but my beauty products are anything but small,” she explains. “I love how many shelves it has and how easy it is to put together.”
“It’s really lightweight and I’ve had zero issues with it over the last year+,” Moon adds.
Zazzle Custom Cherry Three Ring Binder
“Upgrade your cooking routine with a cute, customized recipe binder and save your cherished family recipes along with your own favorite recipes,” said Post. And to start, this three ring binder is her favorite way to “keep your kitchen and thoughts organized.” It’s even customizable, so you can gift this to yourself or to someone special, too.
Jack Cube Design Hair Tool Organizer
Shop TODAY’s commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto previously reviewed this Amazon hair tool organizer. Its convenient design offers three compartments for hair styling tools, and one large front compartment for other hair essentials. Along with decluttering her hair tools, Ricevuto said she “was impressed to find that it easily holds five full-sized bottles and one travel-sized item.”
YouCopia Storaroll Wrap Dispenser
For one, organizing food wraps isn’t the most glamorous. But trying to cleanly cut plastic wrap, for instance, is even more of a challenge. To solve both problems, the YouCopia Storaroll provides a neat space to keep three of your food wraps, including aluminum foil, wax paper and others, and a top compartment to neatly cut each.
West Elm Modern Weave Rattan Baskets
If you want your items out of sight and tucked away, West Elm also offers these Post-approved rattan baskets. Each basket is sold separately (and has a varied cost), but most come with a lid to conceal what’s inside.
West Elm Curved Seagrass Baskets
Storage doesn’t have to look boring. As a stylish alternative, Post suggests these seagrass baskets from West Elm. “I think of them as the ‘IT’ storage solution,” remarked Post. “I think every interior designer I know has these — look at any house in magazines and you will see these baskets.”
Each basket is handwoven around a metal frame, and comes in various sizes and shapes to fit magazines, blankets and other household essentials. Price ranges from $50 to $165, depending on the basket.
Hulken Foldable Bag on Wheels
While grocery shopping can be a pleasure, lugging your items home is not. That’s where the Hulken’s foldable bag enters the picture.
Crafted from water-resistant materials, this tote’s massive size is equipped to hold food, shopping bags, books and more without cramping your shoulder. Here’s how: At the bottom of the bag are four swivel wheels that “roll like a dream,” even with heavier products, suggests Post. “When you’re done, simply fold your Hulken bag flat and conveniently store it under your sofa or in a closet, ready for your next use.”
Yamazaki Home Rolling Storage Cart
Designed to be tall and slim, this Yamazaki Home Rolling Storage Cart claims to fit neatly in between the thinnest nooks and crannies in your kitchen, pantry and other sections in your home where storage is limited.
Since it already comes assembled, all that is required is a space to sit — just pull the metal handle to roll it out. Post recommended stashing “bottles and spices in the kitchen or accessories and essentials in the bathroom or laundry room.”
Meet the expert
- Janelle Lam is a professional home organizer, formerly appearing on The TODAY Show to share organizing solutions for every aspect of your life as well as holiday organization hacks. She’s also the founder of Straighten Up by Janelle and author of "The Folding Book."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers. To choose the best storage essentials, we spoke with an expert organizer and included popular home and kitchen products to help with organization.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
